It appears that we may be watching the Democrats sink into irrelevance. The left-wing of the party has elected Howard Dean as the new party chairman. He's out pandering to all the various interest groups that are pushing the party even further to the left. The platform appears to be sliding even more toward a mix of socialism and satisfying the rent-seeking demands of various groups. As it does this, it seems to be gradually forgetting its proud heritage of supporting civil rights, personal choice, and privacy (except for mothers who want to abort their babies and minority "affirmative action" programs).
As it does this, it is gradually alienating portions of its once-majority coalition. Pro-Life Democrats have been declared an oxymoron. Non-traditional "marriage" is declared a new civil right. Fascism and intolerance must be embraced in other countries when they oppose the US military. Socialism and government programs must be promoted for all society's problems. (Note: I'm not going through this litany to point out where I think the Dem's are wrong or are engaging in bad policy. Instead, I'm looking solely at the effect on their electoral prospects.) Unless something major changes (like say, Gov. Bredeson of TN becoming the presidential nominee in 2008--unlikely, given the apparent control of the nominating process by the fringe), we will be witnessing the slow disintegration of that party as "independents" begin to shun it and formerly proud members become "independent," and the kook fringe takes over control of the party and moves it further away from the center of American politics. As you watch this process take place, ask yourself, "Why is this happening and what lessons are in it for the LP?" Is it happening because the Democrat party lost sight of its ideals and became a coalition of interest groups? (Hmm. WAS there a time when the Dem. Party had ideals?) Or did it happen because some parts of the coalition were forced out and, having no other place to go, joined the opposition? If the latter, then the LP needs to think seriously about how it is going to reach out to create coalitions with some of the people being flung out from the Democrat's downward spiral. If it cannot create those coalitions, then perhaps it needs to disband so that a large number of its members can join the Republican party and push that party toward libertarian ideals. Otherwise, the place that the Democrat party is headed for a short time before a possible recovery (when it finally regains its senses and moves to bring people back into its coalition--but nothing is guaranteed) is going to be the LP's permanent fate. Lowell C. Savage It's the freedom, stupid! Gun control: tyrants' tool, fools' folly. _______________________________________________ Libnw mailing list [email protected] List info and subscriber options: http://immosys.com/mailman/listinfo/libnw Archives: http://immosys.com/mailman//pipermail/libnw
